Is the Single Foot the Same as the Rack?

I am writing to you from Alabama (the hinter land of the gaited horse)! I noticed on your site (GREAT SITE BY THE WAY) that you mentioned the use of a new terminology to describe the "rack." Would this be the "single foot?" I figured that one out a while ago. A good racking horse will single foot at a certain speed. My mare sure does and she is so smooth she appears to float!

Lucy, AKA Linda R.

 

Hello Alabama!

Yes, the rack is also called the single-foot, when it's performed in such a way that there's lots of animation and only one foot on the ground at certain points of the footfalls.  There's also a less animated rack that has lately been referred to as the 'step rack.' Smaller horses with blocky body types may tend toward this gait. Often those that perform it perform only this gait, the walk, and canter. They are not disposed toward much trotting action. Nevertheless, each of these is perfectly square, very smooth going gaits with little or no over stride. They are, therefore, simple variations of the rack.

I wish you many happy and smooth trails!

Brenda